Dr Max writes: No joke, a dutch company called mars one is seriously planning a mission to Mars paid for as a reality TV show. The 6 billion dollars they need to pay for the one way trip for 4 astronauts, might actually be possible when considering everyone on earth will tune in for different landmark events (Their departure from Earth, the journey to Mars, landing, and the first months on Mars). Applications for wanna be Martians will start next year, and further trips are planned for after the first lot get settled; but be prepared for 10 years of training, 20 minute delays to earth, high radiation on the 7 month trip over, harvesting your own food (although some supplies will be sent from earth), and conducting research and construction on mars.